RIC-9
Issue 2 (Provisional)
October 2005
Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Radiocommunication Information Circular
Call Sign Policy and Special Event
Prefixes
Aussi disponible en français - CIR-9
Radiocommunication Information Circulars are issued for the guidance of
those engaged in radiocommunications in Canada. The information
contained in these circulars is subject to change without notice. It is
therefore suggested that interested persons consult the nearest district
office of Industry Canada for additional details. While every reasonable
effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is expressed or
implied. As well, these circulars have no status in law.
Comments and suggestions may be directed to the following address:
Industry Canada
Radiocommunications and
Broadcasting Regulatory Branch
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0C8
Attention: DOSP
All spectrum publications are now available on the Spectrum
Management and Telecommunications Web site at:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/home
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Table of Contents
Page
Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.
Call Sign Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2
Call Sign Prefixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.3
Call Sign Suffixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.4
Choosing a Call Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.5
Club Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.6
Automatic Repeater Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.
Call Signs for Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1
Eligibility for Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.2
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.3
Issuance of Special Call Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3.0
Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Table I - Special Event Prefixes and Call Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ii
Call Sign Policy and Special Event Prefixes
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Forward
This new issue of Radio Information Circular 9, Call Sign Policy and Special Event Prefixes, (RIC-9)
reflects recent modifications to the international Radio Regulations pertaining to the amateur service
resulting from decisions made at the International Telecommunication Union World
Radiocommunication Conference of 2003 (WRC-2003).
Purpose
This circular outlines the policies and procedures as they relate to call signs and special events prefixes
within the amateur radio service.
Policy
1.
Call Sign Assignment
1.1
General
A Canadian call sign is issued to anyone, including a foreign national, who successfully writes the
Canadian Basic Qualification examination and obtains an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate.
Individuals who are citizens of another country and are not the holders of a Canadian Amateur Radio
Operator Certificate may be authorized to operate with their own call sign with an appropriate Canadian
call sign area designator in accordance with Radiocommunication Information Circular 3, Information
on the Amateur Radio Service (RIC-3) when a reciprocal operating agreement exists between Canada
and the home country or the visitor is operating under a CEPT or IARP permit.
Call signs are assigned to individuals for a lifetime. However, there are cases when call signs become
available for reassignment. In the case of an amateur requesting a replacement call sign, the unwanted
call sign would be returned to the block of available call signs at the time of exchange.
In the case of a deceased amateur, Industry Canada policy allows for a member of the immediate family
to apply for the call sign. Immediate family includes father, mother, step-parent, foster parent, guardian,
brother, sister, spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild and adopted members of the family.
If no family member has applied for the call sign within one year of the death, it will be returned to the
block of available call signs.
All call signs become available for reassignment when the current year equals the certificate holder’s
birthdate plus 125 years.
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1.2
RIC-9
Call Sign Prefixes
When a Canadian applicant is qualified to install or operate an amateur radio station, a call sign will be
issued using a prefix based on where the applicant resides. An amateur who subsequently changes his
residence from one call sign prefix area to another shall apply for a change of call sign with the prefix
allocated for this new area of operation.
A foreign national holding a Canadian Amateur Radio Operator Certificate does not need to be a
resident in Canada, but must have a Canadian address at which the amateur radio operations in Canada
will be based. The prefix for this call sign will be determined by the relevant Canadian address. Prefixes
currently used for assignment are in accordance with the following table:
Prefix
VE1
VE2
VE3
VE4
VE5
VE6
VE7
VE8
VE9
VE0*
VO1
VO2
VY1
VY2
VY0
Province/Territory
VA1
VA2
VA3
VA4
VA5
VA6
VA7
Nova Scotia
Quebec
Ontario
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia
Northwest Territories
New Brunswick
International Waters
Newfoundland
Labrador
Yukon Territory
Prince Edward Island
Nunavut Territory
* VE0 call signs are only intended for use when the amateur radio station is operated from a vessel that
make international voyages.
1.3
Call Sign Suffixes
1.3.1 Restricted Suffixes
In certain circumstances, the Amateur Radio Service Centre may decide not to issue certain suffixes. An
example is the suffix SOS, which could result in confusion in a real emergency.
Suffixes for call signs issued on a permanent basis in accordance with Section 1.4, will consist of either
two or three letters.
In conformity with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations, call signs with
three-letter suffixes and four-character alpha numeric suffixes will not be issued from block QOA to
QUZ as these combinations are reserved for abbreviations to be used for radiocommunication services
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(ITU - Article S19). Existing call signs will remain valid until the call sign is released.
1.3.2 Single-letter Suffixes and Four-character Alpha Numeric Suffixes
Call signs with single-letter and four-character alpha numeric suffixes will only be issued as special
event call signs for limited periods of time as described in Section 2.
1.3.3 Two-letter Suffixes
In Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and
British Columbia the demand for two-letter suffixes exceeds the availability. In some areas, waiting lists
for two-letter call signs have been held in district offices for many years. With the introduction of the
centralized Amateur Radio Service Centre, two-letter call sign waiting lists have been discontinued.
Applicants in the VE1 - VE7 and VO1 call sign areas who are qualified to install or operate an amateur
radio station may apply for a two-letter call sign if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
(a) the amateur has been the holder of a Canadian Amateur Radio Operator Certificate - Basic
Qualification for a minimum of five years; or
(b) the amateur is applying for the two-letter call sign of a deceased family member in accordance with
Section 1.4.4 below.
Applicants in call sign prefix areas with very small amateur populations (VE8, VE9, VY1, VY2, VY0,
and VO2) in which two-letter call signs are readily available, may apply for a two-letter call sign. Once
the number of two-letter call signs issued in an area exceeds 80% of the total two-letter call sign
combinations, the eligibility criteria in subsection (a) above will then apply to that area.
Only one two-letter call sign will be issued per amateur operator and the prefix will be issued in
accordance with Section 1.2. No two-letter call sign will be issued to club stations. Existing two-letter
call signs remain valid until the holder releases the call sign or becomes deceased.
1.4
Choosing a Call Sign
1.4.1 Choosing a First Call Sign
Applicants may request any unassigned two or three-letter suffix call sign using a prefix in accordance
with Section 1.2. Applicants requesting a two-letter suffix call sign must meet the requirements of
Section 1.3.3. A maximum of three choices in the order of preference will be considered. If none of the
choices are available or no choice is indicated, the Amateur Radio Service Centre will assign a call sign.
Applicants are urged to check the availability of call signs at the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Services
website http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/025.nsf/eng/home.
1.4.2 Additional Call Signs
Amateurs may apply for any additional three-letter suffix call sign.
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Amateurs who are not already holders of a two-letter suffix call sign may apply for an additional call
sign with a two-letter suffix providing they meet the requirements of Section 1.3.3.
Please note that only one two-letter call sign is assigned per amateur operator and the prefix will be
issued in accordance with Section 1.2.
1.4.3 Changing a Call Sign
An amateur may request a change of call sign for a three-letter suffix. If the requested call sign is
available, it will be issued, provided that the applicant's prefix remains in accordance with Section 1.2.
Applicants who request a change of call sign from a three-letter call sign to a two-letter call sign must
meet the requirements of Section 1.3.3.
1.4.4 Transferring a Call Sign from a Deceased Amateur to an Immediate Family Member
The call sign of a deceased amateur will not be returned to the Available Call Signs List until one year
after the death. An immediate family member who is the holder of an Amateur Radio Operator
Certificate may apply for the call sign within that year, provided that the applicant's province or territory
call sign prefix matches the call sign of the deceased amateur’s area of residence.
1.4.5 Call Sign Reservations
Amateur radio service call signs cannot be reserved.
Applicants are urged to check the availability of call signs at the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate
Services website at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/025.nsf/eng/home.
1.5
Club Stations
1.5.1 Call signs for club stations will be issued with three-letter suffixes only. Existing two-letter club
station call signs will remain valid until the club disbands or the call sign is released.
1.5.2 Sponsor Requirements
The application for a call sign intended to be used by an amateur radio club station must be made by a
holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Advanced Qualification.
1.6
Automatic Repeater Stations
1.6.1 The application for a call sign intended to be used for an amateur radio automatic radiotelephone
communications repeater station operating above 30 MHz and within the same band must be
made by a holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Advanced Qualification.
1.6.2 The applicant must be the holder of an applicable Morse code qualification if the repeater is to
transmit on frequencies below 30 MHz.
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1.6.3 A holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic Qualification may apply for a call
sign intended to be used for an amateur radio digital repeater on frequencies above 30 MHz.
2.
Call Signs for Special Events
2.1
Eligibility for Consideration
A special prefix assignment may be made to all amateurs in a geographical area for Canadian significant
commemorative non-commercial anniversaries or Canadian significant events.
Request should be received at the Amateur Radio Service Centre at least 60 days before the beginning of
the proposed event to provide ample time to process the request and allow the Centre to inform the
amateur community at least 30 days before the event.
Special event prefixes and call signs are listed in Table 1.
2.2
Definitions
Special call signs and prefixes fall within one of the following categories:
Category I
(a) National:
Special prefixes for all provinces and territories for use by all
Canadian amateurs not to exceed two months.
e.g. All VE3's become CG3, all VE7 become CG7, etc.
(b) Provincial or territorial:
Special prefix for the applicable province/territory for use by
Canadian amateurs residing within the applicable
province/territory, not to exceed one month.
e.g. All VE4's become CG4.
(c) Municipal:
Special prefix for the applicable municipality for use by
Canadian amateurs residing within the applicable municipality,
not to exceed two weeks.
e.g. All VE1 within the municipality become CG1.
(d) Organization:
Special prefix or call sign for the use of the applicable
organization, not to exceed one month.
All members of the organization that are radio operators can use
the special prefix.
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Category II
(a) Individuals or club stations:
Specific call signs using a special prefix and suffix to be issued
to specific stations, not to exceed one month.
e.g. VE3ABC becomes CG3A or CG3DEF
Category III
(a) Individuals or club stations:
Specific call signs to be issued for specific stations using the
existing prefix and number but using a different suffix, not to
exceed one month.
Category IV
(a) Individuals or club stations
Specific call signs to be issued for selected significant amateur
events to specific stations using special prefix and/or suffix, not
to exceed the event period.*
* Events are from time to time held in multiple phases. The authority granted under this category is valid
for the duration of these separate phases and are not to exceed a total overall period of 60 calendar days.
2.3
Issuance of Special Call Signs
Requests falling within Categories I and II (special prefixes are involved) will be accommodated if they
meet the following criteria:
Anniversaries must be a minimum of a ‘25th’ or any 25th increment.
Significant events must be of a historical or cultural nature and not of a repetitive type. For example the
annual local corn roast would not qualify and neither would the Canadian National Exhibition in
Toronto, nor the Calgary Stampede. However, the Calgary Olympics or the opening of the Confederation
Bridge between P.E.I. and New Brunswick would qualify.
Requests falling within Category III for significant events or anniversaries not covered under
Categories I and II would be approved on request, provided the proposed suffix is available. For
example, an amateur radio operator’s birthday would not qualify, but the Calgary Stampede or similar
events may qualify as Category III.
Certain annual amateur radio contests may be considered as significant events for which requests for
special call signs under Category IV may be approved. Contests for which special event call signs are
requested will be considered and their eligibility will be determined in consultation with the Canadian
National Amateur Radio Society.
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3.0
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Fees
The radio authorization fee for the assignment of a call sign or prefix in the amateur radio service is
$60.00 for each occurrence of the following transactions:
1. changing an existing call sign (including changing to a two-letter call sign);
2. issuing a station call sign to a club or other organization;
3. issuing an additional station call sign to an individual; and
4. issuing a special event call sign or a special prefix.
There is no fee charged:
1. to issue the initial call sign with the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with the Basic
Qualification;
2. to issue a replacement certificate due to loss or damage;
3. to issue a replacement call sign with a new prefix, due to a change in address to a new province or
territory; and
4. to issue a certificate as a result of an additional qualification such as 5 w.p.m., 12 w.p.m. or
Advanced.
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Table I - Special Event Prefixes and Call Signs
Prefixes
Provinces and
Territories
National, Regional and Municipal Special Event
Prefixes
Special Call Signs
with Special Prefix
Special Call Signs with
Normal Prefix
VE1
(NS)
CG1
CK1
VX1
XM1
VC1
VE1
VA1
(NS)
CF1
CJ1
VG1
XL1
VB1
VA1
VE2
(QC)
CG2
CK2
VX2
XM2
VC2
VE2
VA2
(QC)
CF2
CJ2
VG2
XL2
VB2
VA2
VE3
(ON)
CG3
CK3
VX3
XM3
VC3
VE3
VA3
(ON)
CF3
CJ3
VG3
XL3
VB3
VA3
VE4
(MB)
CG4
CK4
VX4
XM4
VC4
VE4
VA4
(MB)
CF4
CJ4
VG4
XL4
VB4
VA4
VE5
(SK)
CG5
CK5
VX5
XM5
VC5
VE5
VA5 (SK)
CF5
CJ5
VG5
XL5
VB5
VA5
VE6
(AB)
CG6
CK6
VX6
XM6
VC6
VE6
VA6
(AB)
CF6
CJ6
VG6
XL6
VB6
VA6
VE7
(BC)
CG7
CK7
VX7
XM7
VC7
VE7
VA7
(BC)
CF7
CJ7
VG7
XL7
VB7
VA7
VE8
(NT)
CG8
CK8
VX8
XM8
VC8
VE8
VE9
(NB)
CG9
CK9
VX9
XM9
VC9
VE9
VO1 (NF)
CH1
CY1
XJ1
XN1
VD1
VO1
VO2
(LAB)
CH2
CY2
XJ2
XN2
VD2
VO2
VY0
(NU)
CI0
CZ0
XK0
XO0
VF0
VY0
VY1
(YT)
CI1
CZ1
XK1
XO1
VF1
VY1
VY2 (PEI)
CI2
CZ2
XK2
XO2
VF2
VY2
CY0
SABLE IS
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
CY9
ST-PAUL IS
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
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